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The ABC station in Chicagoconfirmed the indictmentwith the Cook County States Attorneys Office.
The new charges against Smollett each carry a potential sentence of probation to four years, if convicted.
Smollett, 36, was written out of the last two episodes of the fifth season ofEmpireafter his arrest.
Smollett is due in court for his arraignment on March 14.
Attorney Mark Geragos, who presents Smollett, issued a statement on his behalf Friday night.
The fact of an indictment was not unexpected.
What is unexpected, however, is the prosecutorial overkill in charging 16 separate counts against Jussie.
Jussie adamantly maintains his innocence even if law enforcement has robbed him of that presumption.
Chicago police confirmed to Vulture on Friday that they have opened an internal investigation into the leaks.
Rocco Alioto said in a statement.
